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Mining & Mineral Law

Southern Utah Mining Attorney

At Ruesch Reeve Werrett & Jones, PLLC, our attorneys provide legal services to companies engaged in exploring, mining, processing, and selling base and precious metals, coal, industrial minerals, aggregates, and cement in Southern Utah. Our experience includes

  • Drafting and negotiating mining joint ventures, option agreements, and operating agreements

  • Handling land and mineral leases

  • Providing due diligence services for prospective mining claim buyers, including chain-of-title research to patent

Legal Support for the Mining Industry

Businesses and individuals in the mining industry regularly face a wide range of legal and regulatory challenges—from daily operational matters to complex litigation.

Key concerns include:

  • Hazardous materials management

  • Land preservation

  • Air and water quality compliance

  • Endangered species protection

  • Mine safety and health standards

We help clients stay compliant with evolving federal and state regulations and manage risk effectively across all stages of mining operations.

Comprehensive Mining Law Services

Our mining attorneys offer end-to-end counsel for projects involving the exploration, extraction, processing, transportation, and sale of non-ferrous and precious metals, coal, and other minerals. Whether you’re a startup or a large-scale operation, we’re equipped to support your legal needs throughout the project lifecycle.

General Mining Information

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah oversees the adjudication, administration, and maintenance of coal and solid non-energy lease authorizations on federally owned mineral estates. It also handles the recording and adjudication of mining claim instruments under the 1872 Mining Law.

BLM Utah manages:

  • ~22.8 million acres of public lands

  • ~9.7 million acres of subsurface mineral estate

Utah has one of the most diverse mineral programs within the BLM, adding complexity to its regulatory and adjudicative processes.

Mineral Rights and Mining Claims

Under the General Mining Law of 1872, U.S. citizens may locate and develop mineral deposits on federal lands open to mineral entry. This law covers most metallic and certain non-metallic minerals, and permits states to adopt consistent recording requirements.

Federal Oversight:

  • Governed by Title 43 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Groups 3700 and 3800

  • Claims are recorded through BLM Utah in accordance with FLPMA (Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976)

Utah Claim Filing Requirements:

  • File with the County Recorder within 30 days of location

  • Include township, range, section, quarter section, type of location, date, claim name, claimant’s name and address

  • Include a boundary map

  • File with Utah BLM within 90 days of the initial location notice

Fees:

  • Initial filing fee: $194

  • Annual maintenance fees due by September 1st each year

🔗 Click here to learn more about Utah’s Mining Rules and Regulations
🔗 Click here to view Surface and Mineral Ownership Maps

Call Our Lawyers (435) 635 -7737